Strawberry cake

Strawberry cake – a fresh and refreshing delicacy, perfect for celebrating special moments in our lives. This cake recipe is simple and quick, based on a crunchy biscuit base, an easy-to-make yogurt cream, and a generous topping of fresh fruits. Whether you prepare it for Easter, anniversaries, or simply to indulge yourself, this strawberry cake will surely become your favorite.

Total preparation time: 4 hours and 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours
Number of servings: 10

Necessary ingredients:

For the base:
- 300 g biscuits (choose plain biscuits, such as digestive biscuits)
- 100 g butter (preferably unsalted, at room temperature)
- 100 g Turkish delight (cut into small cubes)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa (for a more intense flavor)
- 1 bottle of rum essence (to give a pleasant aroma)

For the yogurt cream:
- 200 g liquid cream (it is recommended to use cream with a minimum fat content of 30%)
- 400 g strawberry yogurt (or plain yogurt, if you prefer)
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, depending on sweetness preferences)
- 2 packets of gelatin (make sure to read the usage instructions)

For decoration:
- 200 g strawberries (cut into cubes)
- 100 g cherries (fresh or from a jar)
- 1 kiwi (for a color contrast and an exotic taste)

Step by step for preparation:

1. Preparing the biscuit base:
Start by crushing the biscuits. You can do this either with a rolling pin or using a blender. The goal is to achieve a fine texture, similar to breadcrumbs. If using the blender, be careful not to turn them into complete powder, but to keep a slight texture.

Once the biscuits are crushed, place the Turkish delight in a pan and melt it together with the butter over low heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Once the Turkish delight has completely melted and the mixture becomes homogeneous, add the cocoa and rum essence. Mix well until all ingredients are integrated.

Pour the liquid mixture over the crushed biscuits and mix well. Make sure the biscuits are evenly coated. Then, press the mixture into a round cake pan (about 24 cm in diameter), smoothing it out on the bottom of the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let it cool to set.

2. Preparing the yogurt cream:
In a bowl, whip the liquid cream until you achieve a firm consistency. It is important not to overwhip it, otherwise, it will turn into butter. Once the cream is whipped, add the strawberry yogurt and powdered sugar (if using) and mix with a spatula, being careful not to disintegrate the cream.

Meanwhile, prepare the gelatin according to the instructions on the package: soak the gelatin packets in cold water for about 10 minutes, then dissolve them in a double boiler, being careful not to let it boil. Once the gelatin is completely dissolved, gradually add it to the cream and yogurt mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

3. Assembling the cake:
Remove the biscuit base from the fridge. Arrange ladyfingers (about 200 g) around the edges of the pan. These will create a crunchy and elegant wall for the cake. Pour half of the yogurt cream mixture over the biscuit base, smoothing the surface. Add half of the diced strawberries and lightly sprinkle them into the cream.

Pour the remaining cream on top and smooth it again, then decorate with the remaining strawberries, cherries, and sliced kiwi. This decoration not only adds an attractive look but also an explosion of fresh flavors.

4. Cooling:
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it cool for about 4 hours. This step is essential for allowing the gelatin to set and stabilize the cake.

Useful tips and variations:
- If you want a cake with a more intense flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla to the yogurt cream.
- You can replace the yogurt with another flavored yogurt or even cottage cheese for a denser texture.
- Add a layer of strawberry jam between the biscuits and cream for an extra touch of sweetness.
- If you're short on time, use whipped cream from a can, but make sure it is of good quality.
- This cake pairs perfectly with a glass of cold lemonade or fruit tea.

Nutritional information:
One serving of strawberry cake contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This cake is rich in vitamins C and E due to the fresh fruits, and the yogurt provides a good source of probiotics, beneficial for digestion.

In conclusion, this strawberry cake is an excellent choice for anyone looking to bring a touch of freshness and sweetness into their life. It is easy to prepare, requires no baking, and can be customized to everyone's tastes. Don't forget to share with your loved ones and enjoy every slice!